New A2 Titanium 3'' Flipper - Great Small EDC Flipper Knife!

Newest offering in the EDC small flipper segment is the A² compact 3'' EDC flipper knife.
It became available a few weeks ago, but was sold at a pretty high price.
Now it is available in the great LDT store, that gives good service and is pretty reliable (I ordered from them a few times).
It features titanium blue anodized backspacer and pocket clip, ball bearings in the pivot and comes in 2 versions - the "S35VN" blade + plain handle and "VG10" fluted handle.
(Can't really guarantee the blade steel is exactly as described, but LDT usually put out good quality knives, so I wouldn't worry that the steel will be soft).
Don't miss the $2 coupon, that is given in the store.

Knife can be found here: A² titanium flipper knife
Other 3" EDC Knives here: 3" EDC Knives

Newest Firebird F7562 G756 CF Made by Ganzo Knives + GearBest Shipping Update!

As many of you have probably seen - GearBest have encountered a problem with their shipping during the last month, unable to ship to most countries in the world, including US.
Luckily, the problem was temporary and is now solved by adding a small amount of shipping costs (around $2) for registered shipping.
The good part is - it seems that they have lowered the priced, so the total price stayed approximately the same, one of the lowest online! 
They have also released the newest offering from Ganzo/Firebird Knives - the CF F756!

Check it out here: Ganzo/Firebird Knives F756
Also - check out Ganzo knives on Amazon, for faster US shipping.

2 new Cleaver Style Blades - RAD+ADV Style Collaboration + Chinese Style Magic Cleaver

Merry Christmas!

Just a quick update on 2 relatively new blade, that are available on AliExpress:

1. Small RAD+ADV Style Cleaver: A very interesting mini version of the RAD Knives Field Cleaver, if he would work with ADV for a collaboration. The knife features RAD style 3'' D2 blade, 2 color options, ADV style handle and a Sebenza style clip. Cool option, if you would like an EDC'able cleaver (the framelock in the picture is photoshopped to follow Ali knife laws).

2. Magic Chinese Style Cleaver: a new blade from relatively new maker - Magic Knives. Has full ti handle, awesome cleaver style blade and ball bearings in the pivot.

A blast from the past - Back in stock fan-favorite clones (Carrillo, Microtech, Hinderer, Umnumzaan, ZT, Cannabis)!

All time favorite clone are now back in stock!
I want to tell you about some of them:

1. The Wild Boar XM-18 Full Ti Clone - Another batch of knives from the Wild Boar factory.
It has the full ti handle with an Enzo pattern and acid stone-wash finish.
It also sports the steel insert on the frame for better lockup.
Hinderer Eklipse Style (0392) clone is also available here.

Check out the genuine Hinderer Knives here.

2. Dwayne Carrillo Tunnel Ratt Clone: Budget offering of the awesome Carrillo design. This beefy folder has a 6mm thick blade and a general overbuilt construction. A real hard use blade for a pretty low price. Has G10/Steel handle with a framelock.

I even found one sold on Amazon: Dwaine Carrillo camping knife

3. Shiro Cannabis Clone - Great Sinkevich designed blade. Ti linerlock and G10 handle + bearings in the pivot made it a favorite among Chinese knife appreciators.

Other honorable mentions:
- Chris Reeve Umnumzaan Clone - Another must have to try with ti handle and D2 blade.

- Microtech Whaleshark Clone - The original is sold out pretty much everywhere, but the clones are in stock.

Newest Spyderco Clones - Lightning Strike CF Military and budget G10 Mamba style knives!

There have been a real wave of clones lately, almost every day a new model emerges, sometimes more. I suspect it has something to do with the holidays and our inner desire to buy ourselves or our loved ones something nice.

The wave didn't pass on one of the most loved companies - Spyderco Knives, and now there are 2 new models available:

1. Budget Mamba clone: a G10 version of the very interesting Brend/Pirela design, one that you won't be afraid to really use. Features liner lock and bearings in the pivot.

Genuine can be found here: Spyderco C196CFTIP Mamba

2. Lightning strike CF Military: I suspect this to be a CF+G10 Ganzo style laminate, but still this looks pretty good in the pictures. RAT 1 with the same materials can be also found in this store.

Genuine Spyderco Military here: Spyderco C36GPE Military

S110V Sprint Run here: Spyderco C36GPDBL Military

Clone Killers - Best value knives, that can compete with the Clones in the quality for the price ratio!

It's already a known fact that the Chinese clone knives hold the best value in the knife world.
I mean, just looking at the Green Thorn F95T and Hati - you can't find better value (or even remotely similar) in the genuine knife world. In that world - a ti handled flipper with ceramic double row bearings, with the same level of fit and finish can't cost less than $300. 
But some knife companies have already realized that, and are putting out knives that can compete with the clones in their home field - bang for the buck.
I would like to show you some exaples of these knives:
1. Kizer Cutlery Ki4419A1 -  Aluminium handle, S35VN blade, awesome looking design - at only $62.3.

2. Cold Steel Code 4 - Aluminium handles, Triad-lock (one of the strongest locks) and CTS-XHP blade make this a great choice for a budget friendly EDC knife.

3. CRKT Tighe Tac 2 Tanto - Ball bearings in the pivot and a great action button lock give this knife a custom feel.

4. Ontario Carter Prime (now on sale for only $69.99) - Lowest price for Ti handles, bearings and D2 blade in the genuine knife world.

If you have your suggestions - please write them down in the comments and I may add them in the second volume on this topic.

Samier Knives re-open their AliExpress store!

Just a quick piece of clone news:

One of the biggest titanium clone manufacturers, Samier (the guys who made the Full Size Field Cleaver Clone), have re-opened their AliExpress store.

The models now listed, among others, are Borka Stitch, Chavez Redencion, Microtech Sigil, and custom integral Strider, all clones.

Check out their offerings here: Samier AliExpress Store

Edit: The store was closed again, but they are still available at DHGate: Samier DHGate Store

Benchmake 940 943 Carbon Fiber Knife - One of the best EDC knives ever cloned!

After hoping to see Ganzo make a knife that is similar to the Benchmade 940/943 and getting the G756 model, I almost lost all hope that I will get to experience the awesome Osborne design.
But now Ben and his buddies have decided to step up and make this clone in both versions and in the best configuration possible - carbon fiber scales with standoffs.
The blade steel is listed S90V (like on the original CF version), but it is probably just D2. 
One thing I didn't like about this is that they left the original logo, I would really like for it to arrive sterile without any original markings at all, as I don't like the whole "Better for resell" BS.
Anyway - the knife seems to be nicely done, and is a great opportunity to try the awesome Osborne design.
Check out the knife here: Benchmake 940/943
The original one is sold here: Benchmade 940
Or here: Benchmade 943

Borka Blades Stitch Style Knife made by Samier Knives - Another big hit cloned!

After Rad Knives Field Cleaver clone, here comes another gem of the knife world - the Borka Blades Stitch Clone!
The original knife has an awesome design, great ergos and build, but also has a very heavy price tag - to own one of those, you will have to part with at least $2000.
This made it a very big target for clone knife makers, and Samier was the first to react.
The clone features ti handle, a framelock, listed S35VN steel, bearings in the pivot and a milled ti pocket clip.
It comes in 2 variations:
1. Rock pattern ricasso
2. Plain ricasso

Check it out here: Samier AliExpress Store

Also check out genuine Borka designs here: Borka Design
Or here: Borka Design

M390 S35VN Ti CF Tabargan 100NS Clone - Buy at your own risk!

This knife was promised by Ben a long time ago, but as it seems - it was worth the wait!
The new Shirogorov Tabargan 100NS clone comes in 2 variations (S35VN and the premium M390) and features milled Ti liners, full CF scales, real Axis lock, double row ceramic bearings in the pivot, ti pocket clip and the awesom Green Thorn fit and finish!
Don't know about you, but I like pretty much everything about this knife and definitely going to order it soon.

EDIT - As it seems, these knives are not made by Green Thorn (just branded as ones) and they have lots of quality issues, such as locktighted screws made from soft metal, that are very hard to unscrew, and lockstick on the axis.
This is a QC issue, so there are some of good quality and some have defects, so buy at your own risk.
Check out the knife here: Green Thorn Tabargan 100NS
More detailed pics here
Other CF knives here: Carbon Fiber knives
Or Axis lock knives here: Axis lock knives

Vespa Made Dmitry Sinkevich SIDis Style Design Knife M390 Steel - A Custom Clone!

Great new offering from Vespa - a knife with a design that resembles custom blades made by the well-known and appreciated Belorussian knife designer Dmitry Sinkevich!
Just as other knives from Vespa - this one has a full titanium handle with tastefully placed cutouts, framelock with steel insert and a milled ti pocket clip.
The new features are: the handle anodizing finish, 3(!) row ceramic bearings and M390 steel on the blade, which place this knife as one of the best and premium clones that were ever produced. 

Check it out here: Vespa Coordinal

Similar style genuine ZT0452: Zero Tolerance 0452
Or here: ZT0452

New Kevin John Made Ice Breaker Style Knife - M390 steel is in da house!

New model from Kevin John has arrived!
This time it's an update to a current Ice Breaker Style model (genuine is made by Shirogorov), that comes with similar high quality levels, but with 2 major differences: the blade steel (real M390) and the finish on the handle (beautiful purple-blue ano), that shoot this model straight into the high-end segment. 
The older (now budget) S35VN version is also available for a lower price.
If you buy the M390 version - you will also receive a key for the pivot screw.

Check out the new version here: Kevin John M390 Ice Breaker

CKF Knives made by Kevin John

Other M390 Steel Knives

Ganzo Firebird G758 G7582AL Auto Knives have finally reached Fasttech for the lowest price online - $17.59!

The previously featured Ganzo G7582AL auto knife (switchblade) - the first Ganzo Firebird with aluminium handles has finally reached Fasttech and is now sold for the lowest price online only $17.59!
It comes in 6 colors and has a safety lock to prevent an unwanted opening in the pocket.

Check it out here: Ganzo G7582AL
Check out other Ganzo made knives on Amazon: Ganzo knives

Sinkevich Do / ZT 0427 Style Titanium Flipper EDC Knife with M390 Blade - A game changer!

A new knife comes to us from Ben's knife shops - the Do, based on the same name flipper, designed by Dmitri Sinkevich.
If you think that you saw a similar design before - you may have, as it is the same knife the limited edition ZT 0427 was based on (with a few slight differences).
It features all of the things, that we love the high end Chinese knives for - Ti handles, Ti backspacer, milled Ti pocket clip, ceramic ball bearings and a steel insert on the frame. It even comes with a tool for the proprietary triangular pivot screws. 
But what is really special about this blade is the blade steel - knife user's favorite M390.
Because it comes from Ben, we know that it is a legit M390 steel, that will cut and retain the edge well.

Check out the knife here: Sinkevich Do Style

Other (genuine) Sinkevich designed knives here: SIDis Designed Knives
Or here: SIDis Designed Knives

Ganzo G748 - First automatic Ganzo knife with carbon fiber scales, weight loss cutouts and safety lock!

Good news to all Ganzo knives fans:

Ganzo have made their first auto knife with Carbon Fiber scales - the new G7482 CF.
The model also features their new lock safety, which is supposed to prevent unwanted opening and cutouts for weight loss.

Link to the knife: 
Carbon Fiber version: https://goo.gl/eVo7bS
Orange G10: https://goo.gl/FNazNz
Black G10: https://goo.gl/UTMBDN
Green G10: https://goo.gl/hbF2Nz
Also - check out Ganzo knives on Amazon, for faster US shipping.



Specifications:

Blade: 440c stainless steel (58-60HRC), Stonewashed
Handle: Carbon Fiber Inlay +Stainless steel, Clip,

Size: Whole length: 210mm(8.27");
Blade's length: 89mm(3.5")
Closed Length: 121mm(4.76")

Net Weight: 134g

2 new knives from Ganzo Firebird - G7563 and G7511 now on GearBest + shipping problems

2 new Ganzo Firebird knives got listed on the fan favorite site GearBest for the best prices yet:

Ganzo Firebird G7563 - features G10 handles with glow-in-the-dark inserts, overall shape resembles the BM940.

Ganzo Firebird G7511 - liner-lock flipper version of the fan favorite G750, also with G10 handles.

Also - check out Ganzo knives on Amazon, for faster US shipping.
Update on the whole GearBest situation:
Just received the official answer from GearBest -
"Due to the shipping company and our custom's export has changed lately.
So we cannot ship the knife anymore.(to USA and a bunch of other countries - my edit).
We are so sorry about that.
Thank you for your kind support."
European buyers can still order knives from the site.

MG Knives on AliExpress - Great quality, affordable price, original design, worldwide shipping - what more can you wish for?

I'd like to present you a relatively small Chinese brand - MG Knives.
From the start, their goal was to make great quality, original design knives, that will be available and affordable to almost every knife lover and collector.
They also use good knife steels (N690 and S35VN) and have good quality control and limited production, so every knife will have a serial number (excluding the scalpel).
They are sold on AliExpress at Ben's Knife Shop (former Dicoria), which is a trusted and reliable seller, who has great service, so you can buy without worry.

The Knives:
1. MG Shuttle: Newest and probably the most successful model of them all.
Has great quality, S35VN blade, anodized titanium handle and great action (ball bearings installed). The knife received excellent reviews and is highly appreciated among knife collectors.

Can be found here: http://bit.ly/1TXJclQ 

2. MG Tyrant: This knife was very popular about a year ago, disappeared, and now it's back in stock. It has a good steel (N690), ball bearings, titanium framelock , original design and unique handle graphic and milling. The knife received great reviews.

Can be found here: http://bit.ly/29sH5ZB

3. MG Mothership: Old design, new production. Has titanium framelock, N690 blade, ball bearings and handle milling.

Can be found here: http://bit.ly/29ndfF5

4. MG Tactical Scalpel: A great item to add to your EDC. Has S35VN nandle/blade and kydex sheath.

Can be found here: http://bit.ly/29s7bNs

Cheers!

CH Knives 3001 - Shirogorov Neon/Small Sebenza EDC knife on a budget!

As I wrote before - CH knives very well might be the next big name in the Chinese knife world!

The man behind the brand is a pretty young designer from Yangjiang, China that goes by the name 陈子平 (pronounced Chen Zhiping).

His designs really stand out among other Chinese knives, by their colorfulness, materials used (usually anodized ti framelocks with steel inserts) and bold desicions, such as a polished skull on a handle, which we learned to appreciate.

After the relative success of the CH 3504, he now released the smaller, more EDC friendly CH 3001, which is also a titanium framelock flipper on bearings. The model comes in 3 colors and can really serve as a small gentleman's knife, that will fit any occasion, but will cut when needed. Among other features are a hardened steel insert on the frame, stonewashed D2 blade and titanium pocket clip.

Check out the knife here: CH 3001

Ganzo 753 G753 CF G7533CF (Sandwitched Carbon Fiber G10 Laminate) Review - Premium knife on a budget!

I finally received my Ganzo G7533CF knife, and would like to tell you my thoughts about it.

Doing this I will try not to repeat all other reviews, that were done by pretty much everyone online.

First of all I liked the new packaging, especially the new Firebird branded microfiber cloth that now comes instead of the previous low quality one.

Out of the box impressions - the knife came pretty stiff, although oiled and pretty hard to disengage, due to the hard springs of the Axis lock. Sharpness out of the box was great, so was the cutting edge symmetry. One thing I noticed right out of the box was the knife's excellent fit and finish, a rare thing to see on a sub $20 blade.

Because the knife was stiff - I gave it my new-knife-treatment - disassembly, cleaning of the factory oil. polishing the washers (and the blade tang) and tweaking. The knife had 2 washers - one was nylon and the other made from a yellow metal (probably bronze) and the knife was pretty dirty inside. Also I understood what needed to be done to smoothen the knife - because of the coating the G7533 needed to be broken in longer than other blades. After I did all the procedures and opened/closed it about 200 times - the knife became much smoother (even the Axis lock became much softer).

Pros:
1. The Firebird logo - definitely a plus, would be happy if it will replace the Ganzo logo completely.

2. The grey coating - doesn't look cheap and seems to be more durable than paint. Same coating is applied to the pocket clip and even the liners - that is a huge plus!

3. The geared G10 backspacer and the oversized lanyard hole - 2 definite keepers.

4. Lockup is excellent both ways, even when the blade runs smoothly.

5. Ergonomics and gimping are good.

6. The weight reducing cutouts in the liners - Finally they listened.

Cons:

1. The centering is a bit off (not touching the liner).

- The blued hardware and the sandwitched Carbon Fiber G10 laminate - Was on the fence about both. I mean they look nice and done well, but I probably could live without any of them as in my opinion they disturb the overall look, especially when the Axis stayed silver color. Also - I would really like to see Ganzo put real CF scales on a knife, even if it will cost $10 more.

Overall - I really liked this knife, the fit and finish, the action and the attention to details. 

I believe it can make an excellent EDC knife, but also as an inexpensive gift or a first knife.

This is the most technologically advanced one in a while and I wish Ganzo will continue to improve and cheer us with their future products.

Knife can be found on Gearbest: CF versions -  https://goo.gl/solMrt

                                                                      https://goo.gl/V0K9AT
                                              G10 versions - https://goo.gl/qDXEO2

                                                                      https://goo.gl/FE0Bw4